President tenders apology for making cremation compulsory during COVID pandemic

19 June 2024 12:15 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 18

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By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

Parliament, June 19 (Daily Mirror) - President Ranil Wickremesinghe tendered an apology for making cremation compulsory during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“During this time there was a lot of pain, mainly felt not only by the Muslims, but also Hindus, Buddhists and Christians, I know who also prefer burial,” President Wickremesinghe said.

He said that a committee appointed to look into the matter at the time had recommended cremation, a decision which was upheld by the Supreme Court as well. So, that had to be followed. There was no other alternative during that time, he said.

He assured that Sri Lanka will bring in a law that will allow the right of burial, right of cremation or gifting one’s body to medical institutions.

Comments - 18

A Supporter of RW Wednesday, 19 June 2024 12:37 PM

He kept quiet when the Government imposed compulsory cremation during COVID time and now apologizing for compulsory cremation which is not compulsory anymore and just 3 months before the Presidential Election?

29 360

Srilankan Wednesday, 19 June 2024 12:39 PM

Is this for Election, we are very sharp his excellency!

70 289

Sensey Wednesday, 19 June 2024 12:45 PM

While commending the act of Mr. President at Parliament. It's so obvious that it's a last min ditch to swing minority voters in favour. While the decision to play with the emotions and beliefs by the previous government and the supporting government officials was so plain obvious, one can treat that a as racist move which backfired to all who was part of it. In a country where ignorance and acceptance of 'what ever' is prevalent, I won't be surprised if this comment by Mr. President wins him the election!!! Such is the quality of voters.

46 224

Janaka Wednesday, 19 June 2024 02:51 PM

The bottom line is NONE of the other likely candidates have made this statement so far, perhaps fearing backlash for racial extremists. Now that RW has made the statement we are likely to see some hitherto scared elements emboldened to make similar of statements beyond RW's statement.

5 50

Ram Wednesday, 19 June 2024 04:32 PM

Crap talk for fools. The return of one of the curses. Whole country has to suffer for few generations.

23 0

Hon. Sarneris Wednesday, 19 June 2024 01:44 PM

Apology is useless, when the culprits are roaming free. Only way for true apology is to punish the racist committee who misguided the government.

0 60

Upulpb Wednesday, 19 June 2024 01:50 PM

Anything to try and increse the voter base. Nothing is going to work sadly

0 32

Sokrates Wednesday, 19 June 2024 02:18 PM

This decision was the right one at the time, as it was about preventing danger to the general public. It was only later that it became known that cremation would not have been necessary. But at the time, religious sensitivities had to be weighed against general safety, and the decision was ultimately correct, which was also confirmed by the Supreme Court. No election-related excuse was necessary for this.

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Anura Wednesday, 19 June 2024 04:03 PM

Are you going to pay all those as compensation as well as Pohottuwa Compulsory Boxes the innocent had to pay for and other service charges legally or illegally have to pay for? Why not bring another open debate in parliament and clear it out for political reasons and the curse country is facing with. Where are all those political stooges including Clown Nethica ? Thought she would get a Nobel Prize? These parayas and family can never escape. Curse them.

0 6

Tissa Fernando Thursday, 20 June 2024 04:22 AM

Even Middle East countries used far away lands for burial of covid victims as the knowledge at that time was not certain. Why apologise for this?

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Fast forward Wednesday, 19 June 2024 02:20 PM

Too little too late for families left with the trauma of cremating their loved ones against their religious beliefs and other restrictions related to last rites. All governments around the world panicked and acted recklessly based mostly on Dr.Fauci's recommendations. Fauci was grilled by US lawmakers recently and he admitted to making decisions based on what he thought at the time was right rather than scientific data. He admitted that the 6ft distance was something he conjured up and had no proven effect in preventing the spread of the virus.

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Wiseman Wednesday, 19 June 2024 02:25 PM

Clearly this apology is to woo the minority votes. Using all tactics to get the maximum votes as the elections is just around the corner. This shows he is a ordinary politician worrying how to stay in power. He is no stateman, as stateman only worry about well being of citizens.

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mnsmart Wednesday, 19 June 2024 03:04 PM

Will you also make arrangements to compensate those grieving family members who was victimized.

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Ram Wednesday, 19 June 2024 03:12 PM

Any apology for what happened in Batalanda and the infamous Bond Scam? If an apology is tendered RW might improve his vote base

1 3

Adwani Wednesday, 19 June 2024 04:38 PM

First the USD reserves were emptied and later on cremation made compulsory to make oeople more sick due to smokes from cremation, which pollutes the fresh air.

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Narilatha Palangedara Wednesday, 19 June 2024 04:50 PM

Ponaya was nowhere then! He was a refused man! Now trying to apologise to get votes! What a Gon people to believe this Pina?

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Charles Jansz. Wednesday, 19 June 2024 05:19 PM

Apologies, Gimmicks, Games and Goodies last ditch desperate attempts when the writing is clearly on the wall !

0 0

Patcitz Wednesday, 19 June 2024 11:50 PM

You guys really were behind the issue working with the US hegemony to do those people, to whom a grave injustice occurred, right now, playing the dice to gain votes from certain community. We strongly feel, those communities are so intelligent in choosing their leaders, if election is conduced.

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